From left, celebrated reggae artiste Half Pint, U.S. actor and comedian Eddie Griffin, upcoming model Chinoy Henry, and Half Pint's manager Loyal Haylett pose for The Gleaner during a press luncheon at the Grand Lido Braco on Wednesday, at the Jamaica 360 Degree Sun Festival for U.S. college graduates. - Photo by Claudia Gardner

WESTERN BUREAU:

Grand Lido Braco Resort and Spa in Trelawny came alive last week with four days of Recycling Inspirationduring the staging of the inaugural Jamaica 360 Degree Sun Festival.

The event, from May 14 to 18, celebrated the achievements of 100 graduates from historically black colleges in the United States.

The Jamaica 360 Degree Sun Festival's Black College Graduation Celebration and Empowerment Forum and Career Expo was made possible by a US$150,000 donation by actor-comedian-social commentator, now known as 'Professor' Eddie Griffin.

Griffin funded the retreat for 100 college graduates in what was indeed a life-altering experience aimed at preparing young college graduates for the world of work.

The festival featured workshops delivered by successful black personalities. Susan Taylor of Essence magazine, actor/comedian Eddie Griffin, Doug E. Fresh and Dougie D, as well as acclaimed author Terri Williams, were among the featured presenters.

There was a myriad of activities, which included workshops, and entertainment headlined by DJ Spragga Benz, international Reggae artiste Half Pint, Fahrenheit, Marcus I, Bushman and upcoming alternative rock singer, Katherine.

Ground-breaking ceremony

The highlight of the event was the ground-breaking ceremony for the Recycling Inspiration Fellows Exchange Programme's training facility, which is to be constructed on a section of the Grand Lido Braco's 85-acre coastal property.

The facility is in a bid to bridge the three-year waiting period for admittance of young people to the HEART Trust/ NTA Hospitality Programme.

The Jamaica 360 Degree Sun Festival is the brainchild of Xavier Artis, also known as the creative philanthropist.

It was sponsored by SuperClubs, Blue World Travel and Air Jamaica. Support also came from the Ministry of Entertainment, Culture and Tourism, Black Collegian magazine, Gary Foster of PHAT FARM, and Upliftment Jamaica, among others.